The Dangers of Used CPAP Machines & CPAP Supplies for Sleep Apnea Treatment
Cutting costs on sleep apnea supplies could end up costing you far more than you’d expect. With frequent sales on every website and consignment shops in every city, it’s no surprise that CPAP users are always on the lookout for a good deal on medical devices. However, not all bargains are worth it and our team is here to help you safely and effectively navigate the process of purchasing a CPAP device without breaking the bank.
How Do CPAP Machines Treat Sleep Apnea?
A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine is a type of medical device. CPAP machines treat sleep apnea by delivering consistent pressurized air through either a nasal CPAP mask that sits over/under or inside the nose, or a full face CPAP mask that provides air pressure through both the nose/nostrils and the mouth. This airflow from the CPAP machine keeps the upper airway open, which prevents it from collapsing and causing the breathing interruptions associated with the most common type of sleep apnea; Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
The amount of air pressure a CPAP user receives from their device is determined by a healthcare provider or sleep specialist who uses both the patient’s medical history and testing results to prescribe a device with specific numeric pressure settings.
What Are the Dangers of Purchasing a Used CPAP Machine?
For many, beginning CPAP therapy can be quite an adjustment. Changing your sleep routine to include sleep therapy can be a lot to get used to and knowing where to begin is often challenging all on its own. So, it’s understandable that the financial aspect of treatment is an additional unwelcome stressor. However, it can be much more expensive, in the long run, to purchase used equipment and supplies...
Your Overall Health Can Be Affected
Use of a secondhand CPAP device poses an increased risk of health issues and negative side effects that most users are unaware of at the time of purchase.
Bacteria and viruses from a previous user can increase your chances of contracting respiratory issues such as bronchitis, sinusitis, and pneumonia.
Used and worn out supplies can also worsen sleep apnea symptoms by providing ineffective treatment.
Additionally, medical device/supply contaminants such as oils, chemicals, pet dander, and smoke particles are likely to still cover secondhand equipment and can cause allergic reactions such as rashes, inflamed skin, and acne.
Damages and Defects Are Your Problem
For most, any amount of money is too much money to spend on any item that breaks and cannot be repaired or replaced and for sleep apnea patients who purchase secondhand CPAP machines, this is a harsh reality.
CPAP machine warranties are not transferable from person-to-person and are only registered to the original buyer at the time of purchase.
So, if a used device were to break or if a defect were to interfere with its function, the user would have no choice but to purchase a new CPAP machine, as the warranty can not be utilized by a secondary owner.
Recall Concerns
As we mentioned, each CPAP device is registered to the individual who purchased it from an authorized dealer. For that reason, only their contact information is loaded into the manufacturer’s database and is used to reach out when either the manufacturer of the FDA issues a CPAP recall.
Use of your machine could potentially be unsafe or ineffective without your knowledge and without the ability to have it repaired/replaced.
Unknown Machine History
While your sleep specialist and/or healthcare provider can adjust your pressure settings to your prescribed levels, most doctors will be hesitant to do so because the full, detailed history of the device is unknown to the second user, as well as the second user’s doctor.
CPAP and BiPAP machines are only guaranteed to be effective for 5 years of use and use of the machine, maintenance of the machine, and factors like how often the machine has been dropped/damaged can drastically shorten that time frame.
Inconsistent and infrequent replacement of each of the device’s components (CPAP mask, tubing, humidifier chamber, etc.), as well as the device itself, can have a negative impact on a CPAP user’s therapy.
Is it Legal to Purchase a Used CPAP Machine?
Per the FDA, all CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) and BiPAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure) machines are classified as Class II Medical Devices, so while it’s technically legal to purchase a CPAP machine that’s used, there are multiple guidelines and regulations that should be kept in mind. Here are a few important things to remember:
- Used or refurbished CPAP machines must be purchased from an authorized medical equipment supplier
- A prescription from a healthcare provider must be provided to the medical equipment supplier when purchasing a used or refurbished CPAP machine
- Used or refurbished CPAP equipment cannot legally be purchased from another individual, marketplace website, consignment location, or other unauthorized dealer per federal regulations
- Selling your own used CPAP machine to another individual is typically not legal
Selling your own used CPAP machine is only legal when it’s being sold to a licensed, authorized dealer who plans to sanitize and/or refurbish the device before it’s resold.
Why is it Important for CPAP Equipment to be Clean or New?
Whether you’re receiving sleep therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA) or complex sleep apnea (CompSA), the function of all CPAP machines is essentially the same; to push air directly into the airway for hours at a time every night. By keeping your CPAP device and supplies clean, you’re able to benefit your overall health and sleep apnea treatment success.
Protect Your Health
Maintaining clean CPAP equipment helps you to avoid unnecessary safety risks and side effects. By ensuring the air entering your lungs is free of mold, bacteria, and allergens, you’re able to significantly reduce your chances of contracting anything from sinus issues to more serious respiratory infections.
Improve the Effectiveness of Your Treatment
Be sure that your airway is able to remain open by using equipment that is free of build up and blockages caused by dirt and grime. This will allow proper airflow through the machine, tubing, and CPAP mask. This is especially important for CPAP users with obstructive sleep apnea.
Replace Your Supplies Less Frequently
The build up of oils, dirt, and mineral deposits will eventually begin to wear down your supplies and can lead to a more frequent need for replacements. Cleaning your supplies often and consistently will prevent wear and tear caused by use of dirty supplies.
Make Treatment More Comfortable
If not properly cleaned, CPAP machines and their supplies can cause sore throat, dry mouth, dry eyes, and headaches. You can increase your chances of successfully treating sleep apnea with CPAP therapy by taking steps to ensure more comfortable use.
Should I Buy Used CPAP Equipment? The Verdict Is In...
In our experience, most healthcare providers and sleep specialists would recommend purchasing a new CPAP machine from an authorized dealer. Generally, discounts on used/refurbished BiPAP or CPAP machines aren’t worth the health risks that accompany the savings.
The potential health risks, lack of a manufacturer’s warranty, and unknown life of a CPAP device is one reason that health insurance companies do not cover the cost of purchasing or renting used CPAP equipment. Though, even without insurance, there are plenty of ways to save money when buying a new CPAP machine and our team is happy to help you get started. Reach out to our Customer Service team today!
